Jansher sees a future world champion in Farhan Zaman

Former world number one Jansher Khan feels teenager Farhan Zaman can help Pakistan retain its lost glory and said that the youngster has the guts to become the world champion.

Farhan, a 17-year old from Peshawar qualified for the semi-finals of the World Junior Squash Championship in Ecuador and was the only non-Egyptian player to advance to the last-four of the tournament.

Jansher, who has a record eight World Open titles to his credit, believed Farhan, the scion from the renowned Zaman family has very good technique which can help him in becoming one of the top players in the world.

“I have seen Farhan in action, this youngster has a very good technique and quality, which is now rare in our country,” Jansher told The Express Tribune.

The legendary squash player however, felt Farhan, a nephew of former British Open Amateur champion, Qamar Zaman, needs guidance and more hard work to achieve the goal.

“Farhan needs advice and a lot of hard work. Only then will he be able to beat the best players in the world,” said Jansher advising Farhan not to get complacent after reaching the semi-final.

“Squash is a game which demands consistent hard work and there is no room for
complacency in this sport,” said the former world number one.

When asked if he will assist Farhan, Jansher stated that he wanted Pakistan to be number one again and was ready to help any player.

“Farhan is a good player and I would like to give him tips. I am ready to assist players who are willing to learn as I want to see Pakistan on top again,” added Jansher who also holds the world record of lifting the junior and senior world titles in the same year at the age of 17

Commenting on calls of lack of facilities by some players including his nephew and current Pakistan number one, Aamir Atlas, Khan said only good facilities do not guarantee success.

“We became world champions without a lot of facilities and it’s a fact that facilities don’t make world champions. It may help in improving skills but only sheer passion and hard work assures success.”

He further said the current players are getting enough facilities by the Pakistan Squash Federation and complaining about it is an unjust call by the players.

“PSF is taking good care of players within their restricted budget, players now have good courts plus other facilities to play which was not the case in our times,” said Khan.

Jansher however, advised youngsters to learn from their Egyptian counterparts, who are ruling the sport at the moment.

“The Egyptians were nowhere when I was playing but now they hold three positions amongst the top five, this is because they have the passion and keenness to learn,” stressed the legend.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 5^th, 2010.